Modular occipital plate

ABSTRACT

A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to a location adjacent at least one vertebra. An adjustable housing is provided to secure the rod to the plate, and has a first position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate can be adjusted and a second position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate is secured.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/616,720, filed on Dec. 27, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,662 thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to spinal fixation systems. Particularly,the present invention is directed to systems that fixate a portion ofthe skull, typically the occipital bone, to a portion of the spine forcorrection, fixation, and/or stabilization of a human spine.

2. Description of Related Art

Spinal fixation, such as lumbar sacral fusion and the correction ofspinal deformities such as scoliotic curves, is a well known andfrequently used medical procedure. Pedicle, lateral, and obliquemounting devices can be used to secure corrective spinal instrumentationto a portion of the spine that has been selected to be fused byarthrodesis.

A spinal fixation system typically includes corrective spinalinstrumentation that is attached to selected vertebra of the spine byscrews, hooks, and clamps. The corrective spinal instrumentationincludes spinal rods or plates that are generally parallel to thepatient's back. The corrective spinal instrumentation can also includetransverse connecting rods that extend between neighboring spinal rods.Spinal fixation systems are used to correct problems in the lumbar andthoracic portions of the spine, and are often installed posterior to thespine on opposite sides of the spinous process and adjacent to thetransverse process.

Various types of screws, hooks, and clamps have been used for attachingcorrective spinal instrumentation to selected portions of a patient'sspine. Examples of pedicle screws and other types of attachments areillustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,763,644; 4,805,602; 4,887,596;4,950,269; and 5,129,388. Each of these patents is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

Fixation of the skull to the cervical spine can be used to treat traumato the neck, degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, andpain that is otherwise unresponsive to treatment. Current implantabledevices designed to immobilize the skull with respect to the uppercervical spine have to be individually tailored. Often, such devices areassemblies of several components not designed specifically for fusingthe cervical spine to the skull. However, devices specifically designedfor fusing the cervical spine to the skull are currently beingintroduced. U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,382 issued to John Hurlbert on Nov. 14,2000, shows one such device, the contents of this patent beingincorporated herein by reference as if full set forth herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth inand apparent from the description that follows, as well as will belearned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of theinvention will be realized and attained by the methods and systemsparticularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof,as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the inventionincludes a system for fixing a region of the skull to a portion of thespine. The system includes a plate configured to contact a region of theskull and be secured thereto. The plate has a top surface and at leastone elongated slot defined therein. The at least one elongated slot hasa transverse dimension. A threaded opening is provided in the plate incommunication with the elongated slot. The system further includes anadjustable housing having a body portion and a base portion. The bodyportion has a channel defined therein to receive a spinal rod. The baseportion has a first cross dimension. The adjustable housing furtherincludes a threaded exterior surface, and is configured to be receivedby the elongated slot. The threaded exterior surface of the adjustablehousing is configured to be received in the threaded opening of theplate. The plate can include a recessed surface along at least a portionof the elongated slot opposite the top surface. The plate can furtherinclude a first interlocking surface disposed within the recessedsurface, and the adjustable housing includes a second interlockingsurface. The adjustable housing is configured to be positioned in afirst position within the elongated slot such that the first and secondinterlocking surfaces are spaced apart so as to permit translational orrotational movement of the adjustable housing in the slot. Theadjustable housing also has a second position in the elongated slot suchthat the second interlocking surface engages the first interlockingsurface to secure at least one of translational and rotational movementof the adjustable housing. A bottom wall can be provided on the plate toenclose at least a portion of the recessed surface and define a cavitywithin which a base portion of the adjustable housing is captured whenthe adjustable housing is received in the elongated slot. The plate canfurther include at least one aperture to receive a fastener therethroughto secure the plate to a skull. The system also can include device tosecure the rod within the adjustable housing. For example, a threadedsecuring device can be provided wherein the body portion of theadjustable housing includes a threaded surface to receive the securingdevice and secure a spinal rod within the channel.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the inventionincludes a method for fixing a region of the skull to a portion of thespine. The method includes a securing a plate to a region of the skull.The plate has a top surface and at least one elongated slot definedtherein. The at least one elongated slot has a transverse dimension. Athreaded opening is provided in the plate in communication with theelongated slot. The method further includes an adjustable housing havinga body portion and a base portion. The body portion has a channeldefined therein to receive a spinal rod. The base portion has a firstcross dimension. The adjustable housing further includes a threadedexterior surface, and is configured to be received by the elongatedslot. The threaded exterior surface of the adjustable housing isconfigured to be received in the threaded opening of the plate. Theplate can include a recessed surface along at least a portion of theelongated slot opposite the top surface. The plate can further include afirst interlocking surface disposed within the recessed surface, and theadjustable housing includes a second interlocking surface. Theadjustable housing is configured to be positioned in a first positionwithin the elongated slot such that the first and second interlockingsurfaces are spaced apart so as to permit translational or rotationalmovement of the adjustable housing in the slot. The adjustable housingalso has a second position in the elongated slot such that the secondinterlocking surface engages the first interlocking surface to secure atleast one of translational and rotational movement of the adjustablehousing. A bottom wall can be provided on the plate to enclose at leasta portion of the recessed surface and define a cavity within which abase portion of the adjustable housing is captured when the adjustablehousing is received in the elongated slot. The plate can further includeat least one aperture to receive a fastener therethrough to secure theplate to a skull. The method also can include device to secure the rodwithin the adjustable housing. For example a threaded securing devicecan be provided wherein the body portion of the adjustable housingincludes a threaded surface to receive the securing device and secure aspinal rod within the channel.

The first interlocking surface and the second interlocking surface canbe formed of a variety of configurations, such as a series of extendingprojections configured for mating engagement. Alternatively, the firstinterlocking surface and the second interlocking surface can beconfigured to form a cold weld when the adjustable housing is fixed inposition. The plate also can include a lip extending from the topsurface along at least a portion of the elongated slot.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and are intended toprovide further explanation of the invention claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated constitute part ofthis specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the method and system of the invention. Together withthe description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an occipito-cervical spinal fixation systemembodying the present invention in use with FIG. 1 being a view lookingupward along a portion of a spinal column toward an occiput of a skull,and FIG. 2 being a lateral view;

FIG. 3 is a top view of selected components of the fixation system;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the selected components of the fixationsystem of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 a is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the plate of thefixation system;

FIG. 5 b is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the plate of thefixation system;

FIG. 5 c is a top view of an alternate embodiment of selected componentsof the fixation system;

FIG. 5 d is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the plate ofthe fixation system;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment ofselected components of the fixation system;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an adjustable housing of the fixation system;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an adjustable housing of the fixation system;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an adjustable housing of the fixation system;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an adjustable housing of the fixationsystem;

FIG. 11 a is an enlarged perspective view showing selected components ofthe fixation system with the adjustable housing in a first position;

FIG. 11 b is an enlarged perspective view showing selected components ofthe fixation system with the adjustable housing in a second position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of anadjustable housing of the fixation system;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial bottom view showing selected componentsof the fixation system of FIG. 11 b;

FIG. 14 a is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustablehousing of the fixation system;

FIG. 14 b is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anadjustable housing of the fixation system;

FIG. 15 is a section view of another embodiment of a plate of thefixation system;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of anadjustable housing having a threaded base;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the plate of thefixation system;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the plate ofthe fixation system;

FIG. 19 is a top view of another embodiment of the plate of the fixationsystem;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the plate of thefixation system;

FIG. 21 is a top view of another embodiment of the fixation system;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fixation system; and

FIG. 23 is a side view of the fixation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawing. The method and corresponding steps of theinvention will be described in conjunction with the detailed descriptionof the system.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is provided forfixing a region of the skull to a portion of the spine. The systemincludes a plate configured to contact a region of the skull and besecured thereto. The plate has a top surface and at least one elongatedslot defined therein. The elongated slot has a transverse dimension anda perimeter edge, and the plate preferably has a first interlockingsurface disposed proximate the perimeter edge.

For purpose of context and illustration, but not limitation, FIGS. 1 and2 show an occipito-cervical spinal fixation system 100 of the inventionfor mechanically fixating a region of a skull 102 to a portion of aspinal column 104. The system 100 includes a plate 200 as describedfurther below. Also depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the purpose of contextand illustration in accordance with additional aspects of the inventionare at least one spinal rod 600, (but more typically two of the spinalrods 600) and an adjustable housing 300, for each spinal rod 600.

The plate 200 is configured to contact the occiput or occipital bone 106of the skull 102 and be secured thereto. The spinal rod 600 isconfigured to extend from a location adjacent the plate 200 forconnection thereto to a location adjacent at least one of the vertebra108 of the spine 104 for connection thereto (not shown). An adjustablehousing 300 is configured to connect the rod 600 to the plate 200, asdescribed further below. In this regard the components of the fixationsystem are preferably configured to substantially immobilize the skull102 with respect to the spinal column 104. The components of thefixation system 100 are preferably made from a suitable biocompatiblematerial, such as titanium or stainless steel.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5 d, 15, and 17-20, the plate 200 preferablyincludes one or more of openings 202 formed therein for receivingconnecting members 204 (not shown). During use, connecting members 204can be inserted into holes formed in the skull 102 to secure the plate200 to the occiput 106 such that movement of the skull 102 with respectto a portion of the spine is inhibited. In this regard, connectingmembers 204 preferably are a suitable bone screw or anchor, manyconfigurations of which are known.

While any suitable shape can be used for the plate 200, it is preferredthat the plate 200 have a shape that generally conforms to the occiput106, with the illustrated generally triangular configuration beinghighly preferred because it offers multiple options for placement of theopenings 202 and the associated connecting members 204. The generallytriangular configuration can include an inverted T, an inverted V, or ahorseshoe shape among others. It is preferred that the plate 200 includea central portion that extends longitudinally to provide one or morepossible locations for the openings 202 and the associated connectingmembers 204 central to the occiput 106. One or more arms can be definedby the plate to accommodate elongated slots as described below.

The plate 200 has at least one elongated slot 210, and preferably hastwo elongated slots 210 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 17. Eachelongated slot 210 has a transverse dimension 216 and a perimeter edge.Preferably, an opening is provided in communication with the elongatedslot for receipt of an adjustable housing therein. For example, theplate 200 can include a keyed opening 212 at the perimeter edge of theelongated slot as shown in FIG. 3 for receipt of an adjustable housingin a specific orientation. Alternatively the elongated slot 210 canextend to an edge of the plate 200 to define an opening 220 therein forreceipt of an adjustable housing from a side of the plate as shown inFIGS. 5 c, 5 d, and 6. In another embodiment of the invention, the plate200 can include an aperture 230 in communication with the elongated slot210. FIG. 5 b illustrates a configuration in which an enlarged aperture230 is in communication with each elongated slot 210 for positioning anadjustable housing in the slot from a top surface of the plate. FIG. 5 aillustrates a configuration in which a central aperture 230 is incommunication with two elongated slots 210 and, if desired, extends tothe outside edge of the plate 200. In this manner, an adjustable housing300 can be positioned in the aperture from either a top or side surfaceof the plate, and then moved into the elongated slot 210.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the plate 200 includesfirst interlocking surface 400. The first interlocking surface 400 canbe disposed in a recess formed in the plate opposite the top surface, asshown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, first interlocking surface 400 can bedisposed proximate or along the perimeter edge of the elongated slot210. The first interlocking surface 400 can be disposed proximate theperimeter edge underneath the surface of the plate 200 or in an enclosedslot as will be further disclosed below.

Further in accordance with the invention, and as noted the system forfixing a region of the skull to a portion of the spine includes anadjustable housing having a body portion and a base portion. The baseportion of the adjustable housing has a first cross dimension and aflange with a second cross dimension extending outwardly from the baseportion. A second interlocking surface is provided on the adjustablehousing to engage the first interlocking surface of the plate. Theadjustable housing is configured to be received by the elongated slot.The first cross dimension of the base portion is less than thetransverse dimension of the elongated slot and the second crossdimension of the flange is greater than the transverse dimension of theelongated slot.

In order to facilitate placement of the adjustable housing 300 withinthe elongated slot 210 of the plate 200, as previously noted, an openingis provided in communication with the slot. In one embodiment of theinvention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plate 200 includes a keyedopening 212 in communication with the elongated slot 210. The keyedopening 212 having a transverse dimension 214 greater than thetransverse dimension 216 of the elongated slot to facilitate receipt ofthe adjustable housing 300 therein. In this manner, the adjustablehousing can be inserted into the keyed opening from the top and thenmoved laterally into the elongated slot. If desired, the keyed openingcan be configured to require the adjustable housing to be rotated priorto such lateral movement. The plate can further include a lip betweenthe keyed opening and the elongated slot to inhibit inadvertent releaseof the adjustable housing 300 from the elongated slot 210.

Alternatively, the plate 200 can be provided with an aperture 230, whichdefines an opening in elongated slot 210 as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 a, the aperture is incommunication with an edge of the plate, such that the adjustablehousing 300 can be inserted laterally from the edge of the plate intothe slot, or from the top surface as desired. In the configurationillustrated in FIG. 5 b, adjustable housing 300 can be inserted from thetop and then moved laterally into elongated slot 210.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d,the elongated slot 210 extends directly to an edge 218 of the plate forforming an opening 220 for receipt of the adjustable housing 300. Thetop surface of the plate can include a lip proximate the opening toinhibit inadvertent release of the adjustable housing 300 from theelongated slot 210.

The plate 200 can further include a raised lip 232 extending from thetop surface along at least a portion of the elongated slot to form aguide for translational movement of the adjustable housing, as shown inFIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 5 a-d and 6, the plate 200 can further include arecessed surface along at least a portion of the elongated slot 210opposite the top surface. In a preferred embodiment, the firstinterlocking surface can be disposed within the recessed surface. Theelongated slot 210 can extend through the depth of the plate 200 asshown in FIG. 5 d, or the plate 200 can further include a bottom wall222, shown in FIG. 15, to enclose at least a portion of the recessedsurface and define a cavity within which the flange of the adjustablehousing 300 is captured when the adjustable housing 300 is receivedwithin the elongated slot 210.

For purpose of illustration, but not limitation, the adjustable housing300, shown in detail in FIGS. 7-10 and 16 includes a body portion 302and a base portion 304. The body portion 302 includes an internal cavity306 for receipt of a spinal rod. The internal cavity 306 can havethreads 406 (as shown in FIGS. 6, 11 a, 14 a, and 14 b) therein forreceiving a securing device 500 (shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). Inaccordance with one aspect of the invention, the base portion 304 has afirst cross dimension 308 that is smaller than the transverse dimension216 of the elongated slot 210 of the plate. The base portion 304 of theadjustable housing 300 includes a flange 310 extending therefrom. Theflange 310 has a second cross dimension 312 greater than the transversedimension 216 of the elongated slot 210. As embodied herein the flangefurther includes a second interlocking surface 402 as shown for examplein FIGS. 11-14 b. The adjustable housing 300 is configured for receiptin the elongated slot 210 of plate 200 as shown for example in FIG. 11.

In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 a, and 11 b,the flange 310 has two different cross dimensions. The greater of thetwo cross dimension 316 being the full diameter of the flange 310 at itsedge; the smaller of the two cross dimensions 318 being the width of theflange 310 between its straight side edges, as depicted. This flangeprofile allows for the adjustable housing 300 to be placed in apredetermined orientation into the keyed opening 212 such that thestraight edges of the flange are parallel with the edges of theelongated slot 210. The adjustable housing 300 can thus be slid into theelongated slot 210 and rotated so that the straight edges of the flange310 are angled relative to the edges of the elongated slot 210. In thisrotated position, the flange 310 will be inhibited from being releasedfrom the slot.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 12, the baseportion 304 can have a circular cross section and if desired, the sameor similar dimensions as the body part. Furthermore, the adjustablehousing 300 can have a flange 310 that can be any of a variety of shapesdepending upon the configuration of the opening to the slot. Forexample, as shown, the flange 310 can be circular if an aperture isprovided of sufficient size for access to the slot, or if the slotextends to an edge of the plate.

The adjustable housing 300 can be of a single piece construction or canbe an assembly of multiple pieces as desired and needed, and made ofsuitable material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 11 a, the adjustable housing 300 has a first position within theelongated slot 210 in which the second interlocking surface 402 isspaced apart from the first interlocking surface 400 to permit at leastone of translational and rotational movement of the adjustable housing300 relative to the plate 200. As shown in FIG. 11 b, the adjustablehousing 300 further has a second position within the elongated slot 210in which the second interlocking surface 402 is in engagement with thefirst interlocking surface 400 in order to secure at least one oftranslational and rotational movement of the adjustable housing 300.

For example, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, as shown inFIG. 11 a the adjustable housing 300 can be disposed within theelongated slot in a first position in which the first and secondinterlocking surfaces 400 and 402, respectively are spaced apart fromeach other in order to permit translational and rotational movement ofthe adjustable housing 300 relative to the plate 200.

Once the adjustable housing 300 is properly located for placement of thespinal rod 600, the adjustable housing 300 can be moved to a secondposition as shown in FIGS. 11 b and 13, in which the first and secondinterlocking surfaces 400 and 402, respectively, are in engagement tosecure at least one of, and preferably both, translational androtational movement of the adjustable housing 300.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 16,the adjustable housing 300 can include a base 304 having exteriorthreads 320 thereon. The exterior threads 320 are configured to matewith threaded aperture 230 of plate 200 as shown in FIGS. 17-20. Thethreads can be of any suitable type known in the art. For example, thethreads of exterior threads 320 and corresponding threaded aperture 230can be V-shaped threads, helical threads, saw toothed threads, buttressthreads, or flat-end threads. The threads can be at any suitable angleand depth as desired.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. 17-20,the plate 200 has at least one elongated slot 210. Preferably a threadedaperture 230 is provided in communication with the elongated slot 210for receipt of an adjustable housing 300 therein. For example, as shownin FIGS. 19 and 20, the plate 200 can have a single elongated slot 210with a threaded aperture 230 intermediate the ends of the elongated slot210. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the plate 200 can havetwo elongated slots 210, each having a threaded aperture 230 for receiptof an adjustable housing. The threaded aperture 230 can be disposed atany desired location along the length of the slot 210 although it ispreferred to locate the threaded aperture 230 at one end of the slot210. In this manner, an adjustable housing 300 can be threaded fullythrough the threaded aperture 230 until the flange is disposed below thethreaded aperture. Once the adjustable housing 300 has been fullythreaded through the threaded aperture 230, adjustable housing 300 canbe slid or otherwise moved laterally into the elongated slot 210 untilpositioned as desired. Additionally, the adjustable housing 300, oncereceived in the elongated slot 210 can not be removed from the slotwithout aligning it with the threaded aperture 230 and unthreading theadjustable housing 300. Therefore, the adjustable housing 300 oncereceived in the elongated slot 210 may be moved along the length of theslot 210 without risk of becoming inadvertently dislodged.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, as shown forexample in FIG. 11 a, the plate 200 of each embodiment can include arecessed surface 240 along at least a portion of the elongated slot 210opposite the top surface of the plate 200. The plate 200 can furtherinclude a first interlocking surface 400 disposed within the recessedsurface 240. Alternatively, the first interlocking surface 400 can bedisposed proximate the perimeter edge underneath the surface of theplate 200 or in an enclosed slot. In accordance with one aspect of theinvention, the adjustable housing 300 can include a flange having asecond interlocking surface 402 thereon to engage the first interlockingsurface 400 of the plate 200.

A variety of configurations can be used for the first and secondinterlocking surfaces 400 and 402, respectively. For example, either oreach of the first interlocking surface 400 and the second interlockingsurface 402 can include a series of extending projections 404 configuredfor mating engagement when the housing 300 is in the second position.The extending projections 404 can be square or rounded teeth as shown,for example, in FIG. 13, radial or parallel ribs as shown in FIG. 14 a,textured or knurled surfaces such as the pyramid-shaped projections, asshown in FIG. 14 b, or any other suitable shape such that the first andsecond interlocking surfaces 400 and 402, respectively can be engagedwhen the housing 300 is in the second position. The second interlockingsurface 402 can be on an outside edge of the flange 310 as depicted inFIG. 10, or can be on a top surface of the flange 310 as shown in FIGS.14 a and 14 b, or provided on the base portion (not shown) as desireddepending upon the location of the first interlocking surface 400. Thefirst interlocking surface 400 has a mating configuration and preferablydisposed to allow uninhibited movement of the adjustable housing 300when in the first position, as depicted for example, in FIG. 11 a.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the second interlockingsurface 402 includes a series of radially extending projections 404 asshown in FIG. 13. The radially extending projections 404 extend outwardfrom the outside edge of flange 310 of the adjustable housing 300.

Alternatively, the first and second interlocking surface 402 can beconfigured to form a cold weld when the adjustable housing 300 is in thesecond position.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes asecuring device 500 such as a threaded nut or set screw, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the body portion 302 of theadjustable housing 300 has a corresponding threaded surface 406, shownin FIG. 11 a, to receive the securing device 500 and secure a spinal rod600 within the internal cavity of the adjustable housing 300.Preferably, the adjustable housing 300 is drawn from the first positionto the second position upon securing of the securing device 500. Thesecuring device 500 can be a set screw that is received in internalthreads 406 in the adjustable housing 300. Alternatively, the securingdevice 500 can be a nut that is received in external threads in theadjustable housing 300. Other suitable securing devices also can be usedas known in the art.

The rod 600 supports and preferably immobilizes one or more levels ofthe spine 104 and can be of any suitable construction, many of which areknown. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, the rod600 will be in the form of a straight, cylindrically shaped metallic rodextending along a longitudinal axis and formed of a suitablebiocompatible material that can be deformed along its length as requiredto conform to the patient morphology. However, it should be understoodthat pre-bent or pre-deformed rods and/or noncylindrical rods can alsobe used in the system 100. The rod 600 has a proximate end portion thatis adjacent the plate 200 for connection thereto, and a length extendingto a distal end portion adjacent at least one of the vertebra 108.Typically, at least the distal end of the rod 600, and potentially otherportions of its length, will be affixed to at least one of the vertebra108 using a suitable anchoring system, many of which are known and whichwill typically include a bone screw, bolt, or hook 700 as shown in FIGS.21-23 and some sort of rod connector that is either integral with thebone screw or otherwise connectable to the bone screw.

The components of the system 100 can be made of any material that isbiocompatible for implantation. Examples of such materials include, butare not limited to, stainless steel, commercially pure titanium,titanium in its various alloys, and biocompatible polymer materials. Ifdesired, the surface of the components can be treated to, for example,strengthen the material, alter the healing response after implantation,or modify the surface chemistry. Such surface treatments include, butare not limited to, coatings such as chrome, sintered titanium, ceramiccoat, polymeric coating, coatings or materials with embedded therapeuticagents, or any other type of coating.

The system 100 according to the invention can be used in minimallyinvasive surgery (MIS) procedures or in non-MIS procedures, as desired,and as persons of ordinary skill in the art who have the benefit of thedescription of the invention understand. MIS procedures seek to reducecutting, bleeding, and tissue damage or disturbance associated withimplanting a spinal implant in a patient's body. Exemplary procedurescan use a percutaneous technique for implanting longitudinal rods andcoupling elements. Examples of MIS procedures and related apparatus areprovided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/698,049, filed Oct. 30,2003, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/698,010, filed Oct. 30, 2003,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/697,793, filed Oct. 30, 2003,incorporated herein by reference.

Persons skilled in the art can make various changes in the shape, size,number, and/or arrangement of parts without departing from the scope ofthe invention as described herein. In this regard, it should also beappreciated that the various relative dimensions of each of thecomponents are shown in the figures for purposes of illustration onlyand can be changed as required to render the system 100 suitable for itsintended purpose.

Various other modifications and alternative embodiments of the inventionin addition to those described herein will be apparent to persons ofordinary skill in the art who have the benefit of the description of theinvention. Accordingly, the description, including the appendeddrawings, is to be construed as illustrative only, with theunderstanding that preferred embodiments are shown.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for fixing a region of a skull toa portion of a spine, the system comprising: a plate configured tocontact the region of the skull and be secured thereto, the plate havinga top surface and at least one elongated slot defined therein, the atleast one elongated slot having a transverse dimension and the platehaving a threaded opening in communication with the at least oneelongated slot, the threaded opening having a diameter greater than thetransverse dimension; and an adjustable housing having a body portionand a base portion, the body portion having a channel defined therein toreceive a spinal rod, the base portion having a first portion extendingfrom the body portion with a first cross dimension that is less than thetransverse dimension, the base portion further including a threadedportion with a threaded exterior surface sized to mate with the threadedopening; and the adjustable housing configured to be received in thethreaded opening in a first direction and movable into and along theelongated slot in a second direction after the threaded exterior surfaceis fully threaded through the threaded opening of the plate, wherein thefirst direction and the second direction are two different directions,wherein the transverse dimension is orthogonal to the first direction;and the channel of the body portion of the adjustable housing isgenerally U-shaped, the channel open on an end of the body portionopposite the base portion and open on opposing lateral sides of the bodyportion, the channel of the body portion is structured to be capable ofreceiving the spinal rod with the spinal rod extending out of thechannel on the opposing lateral sides of the body portion.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plate includes a recessed surface along at leasta portion of the elongated slot opposite the top surface.
 3. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a securing device, the body portion ofthe adjustable housing having a threaded surface to receive the securingdevice and secure the spinal rod within the channel, and further whereinthe adjustable housing is drawn from a first position in which theadjustable housing is slideably received in the elongated slot to asecond position in which the adjustable housing is locked in position inthe elongated slot upon receipt of the securing device.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plate further includes at least one opening toreceive a fastener therethrough to secure the plate to the skull.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated slot comprises twoelongated slots.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plate has athreaded opening in communication with an end of each elongated slot. 7.A method for fixing a region of a skull to a portion of a spine, themethod comprising: securing a plate to the region of the skull, theplate having a top surface and at least one elongated slot definedtherein, the at least one elongated slot having a transverse dimensionand the plate having a threaded opening in communication with the atleast one elongated slot, the threaded opening having a diameter greaterthan the transverse dimension; fully threading a threaded portion of anadjustable housing through a respective threaded opening of one of saidat least one elongated slot in a first direction, the adjustable housinghaving a body portion and a base portion, the body portion having achannel defined therein to receive a spinal rod, the base portion havinga first portion extending from the body portion with a first crossdimension that is less than the transverse dimension, the adjustablehousing further including the threaded portion extending from the firstportion with a threaded exterior surface, the threaded exterior surfacesized to mate with the threaded opening; and moving the adjustablehousing into and along the elongated slot in a second direction toposition the adjustable housing in the elongated slot, wherein the firstdirection and the second direction are two different directions, whereinthe transverse dimension is orthogonal to the first direction.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the plate includes a recessed surface alongat least a portion of the elongated slot opposite the top surface. 9.The method of claim 7, further comprising securing the spinal rod withinthe channel of the adjustable housing, wherein the body portion of theadjustable housing has a threaded surface to receive a securing deviceto secure the spinal rod within the channel, and further wherein theadjustable housing is drawn from a first position in which theadjustable housing is slideably received in the elongated slot to asecond position in which the adjustable housing is locked in position inthe elongated slot upon receipt of the securing device.
 10. The methodof claim 7, wherein the plate further includes at least one opening toreceive a fastener therethrough to secure the plate to the skull. 11.The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one elongated slot comprisestwo elongated slots.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plate has athreaded opening in communication with an end of each elongated slot.13. A system for fixing a region of a skull to a portion of a spine, thesystem comprising: a plate configured to contact the region of the skulland be secured thereto, the plate having a top surface and at least oneelongated slot defined therein, the at least one elongated slot having atransverse dimension and the plate having a threaded opening incommunication with the at least one elongated slot, the threaded openinghaving a diameter greater than the transverse dimension; an adjustablehousing having a body portion and a base portion, the body portionhaving a channel defined therein to receive a spinal rod, the baseportion having a first portion extending from the body portion with afirst cross dimension that is less than the transverse dimension, thebase portion further including a threaded portion with a threadedexterior surface sized to mate with the threaded opening; a securingdevice, the body portion of the adjustable housing having a threadedsurface to receive the securing device and secure the spinal rod withinthe channel, wherein the adjustable housing is configured to be receivedin the threaded opening in a first direction and movable into and alongthe elongated slot in a second direction after the threaded exteriorsurface is fully threaded through the threaded opening of the plate,wherein the first direction and the second direction are two differentdirections, wherein the transverse dimension is orthogonal to the firstdirection.
 14. The system of claim 13, further wherein the adjustablehousing is drawn from a first position in which the adjustable housingis slideably received in the elongated slot to a second position inwhich the adjustable housing is locked in position in the elongated slotupon receipt of the securing device.